User Friendly - The Podcast

Who really owns the software you buy, and what happens when someone figures out how to recreate it?

This week on User Friendly 2.0, we're diving into the growing controversy around Sony's PlayStation 5 and new developments that could let PS5 games run on ordinary PCs. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence and software development are making it increasingly possible to recreate applications that compete with industry giants like Adobe and Microsoft.

But just because technology makes something possible, does that make it legal or ethical? We'll explore the fascinating intersection of software cloning, reverse engineering, intellectual property...

This week on User Friendly 2.0, we explore technology from two very different angles.

First, we take a look at hacking devices. From security-testing tools to surprisingly inexpensive gadgets that interact with wireless signals, RFID, NFC, and other everyday technologies, we examine what these devices can do, why legitimate security professionals use them, and what happens when powerful tools fall into the wrong hands.

Then we trade hacking hardware for board games as Mik and Starla from Our Family Plays Games join us! Our Family Plays Games is on a mission to bring more families into...

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the digital threats facing businesses and individuals continue to evolve.

This week, Jessica Kearney of the Travelers Institute joins us to explore the current state of cybersecurity, the threats you should watch for, and the practical steps we can all take to better protect ourselves online.

From emerging cyber risks to the everyday habits that can make a real difference, we’ll look at what you need to know to stay safer in an increasingly connected world.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

This week's episode starts with the news and ends with the joy of hovering in a Gravity jet suit. Listen to hear what Bill has to share.

Hosts: Bill Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

Join us this week for our annual holiday light technology show. We have access to the same tech that ran amusement parks a few years ago - right at your house.

The team attended the Rose City Comic Con and had a wonderful time. We discuss the highlights in the second segment.

Bill offers his review of Age of Viking Companion.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Join us this week as we discuss comic conventions and answer some of your questions.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

What is Dolby? What is THX? What do these things mean in movies and audio?

This week we'll look at your questions about audio tech and discuss a bit about recording history.

We will also cover professional Dungeon Masters and this week's news.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

How do you maintain retro and other older electronics? What can go wrong?

Today, we'll look at some of your questions about the risks and best ways to keep our old electronics working.

This week, we also have the sad duty of saying goodbye to 2 legendary performers, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

We chat about the news, LEGO Saturn V progress, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and a bunch of home video game products that just didn't make it.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

Hang out with us for the news, and then our second section focuses on the progression of computer memory and processors. So much has changed over the decades.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

In this episode, we chat about shopping technology that is changing alongside the news. We have guest Kranti Guduru, who knows all about legacy software languages and the challenges involved in migrating legacy systems to modern ones.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

This week, we have more news, and then we answer your questions about television and its current status. There is also an update on Cyberhawk and a request of our listeners who have read Cyberhawk Rise of Heroes.

Hosts: Williams, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

AI isn't declaring war on AI. People are using AI to attack AI systems, and companies are increasingly using AI to defend against those attacks. And all this is (you guessed it!) costing you money.

Our guest this week is Elias Curtis with Transformed Design, who joins us to talk SEO and how to get your product in front of those you want to see it.

Gretchen brings us the latest on her Lego project, and Bill reviews a new addition to a popular tabletop RPG.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Your questions, our answers!

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

On the agenda today: Ukrainian Drone Technology and Ford Technology.

In our first segment, we discuss the latest technology Ukraine is using and how it's turning the tide of the war in its favor.

Following that, we visit the Ford Motor Company "Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience" presentation. Guest Ted Ryan joins us from the event floor.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Join us for our summer clip show as User Friendly turns 14!

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Listen to our extensive news segment, our thoughts about the new He-Man movie, and Bill Snodgrass's experience with the Mythic Game System.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

This week, we cover the news, chat about technology and pop culture, and then focus on data centers and what they are.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

Transformational Coach Debbie Longo joins us this week to talk about AI in the workplace.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Mandalorian and Grogu are out, and we got to see it!

Also, we had a chance to attend an event at the Evergreen Air and Space Museum called Afterburner.

Both of these were a lot of fun and well done.

Our second segment this week covers the current state of jobs with programmers and authors. Are these still good professions to aspire to? How is AI changing things? Will AI replace these jobs?

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

We explore how television is about to change. And chat with guest Heather Rose Walters from Iffly and discuss her experience with Redwall.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

Do we own what we buy? Many people ask this question as companies make it harder to maintain and repair their purchases without paying the manufacturer. Join us this week as we dive into the Right to Repair. Also, this week we review Jotan Slayer, a great new game that's easy to learn and fun to play.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

This week, we talk to the experts about teens' use of social media. Guest Jen Hanley, Head of North American Safety at Meta, joins us to talk about some of the tools and initiatives Facebook and Instagram are taking to protect your children. Further resources can be found at familycenter.meta.com.

Also this week – our take on Next Level Pinball, the United States second largest arcade and cathedral of pop culture.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Join us this week to learn about some of the top YouTube myths.

Our guest this week, Mark, talks about Fabula Ultima Role Playing.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

In 1984 (a good year for it), Rockwell released the hit "Somebody's Watching Me". Today, that is more than a song.

This week on User Friendly 2.0, we deep dive into how much surveillance has proliferated in recent years.

Our second segment features Comic Friendly 2.0! Host Michael Regina is back with a send-off for Garry Conway, who passed away at the age of 86. Comic Friendly 2.0 also features a review of the 2026 Laval Comic Con in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Today, we discuss our eclectic variety of news topics, ACH, and Elastic Pricing.

William Sikkens, BillSnodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

"My robot had an accident on the carpet!"

Join us this week as we discuss the newest installment in Call of Cthulhu, "Dust and Blood".

Then, we discuss robots! And if you want to know about what happened with the accident (and yes, it did!) - check out this week's show!

Bill Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

We discuss the news, the new Star Wars Maul Shadow Lord series, stolen Cyberhawk books, and computer emulation - what it is and why.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

If you like video games, what's your favorite reason? Entertainment? Challenge? Playing with your friends? How about financial investment?

This week, we talk about Ember Sword - a game for investment first and entertainment second. Spoiler Alert: It didn't end well.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Are you ready for the next version of Windows? Ready for a subscription model for Windows features? If not, you're not alone. This week, we discuss the rumors about what Windows 12 will be. Our guest this week is expert Sam Boyle from Momentum Marketing, who is joining us to talk about promotion and business in the modern era.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

This week, we talk about the next generation of mobile devices - 6G.

The Vault host James Sherwood joins us to review Tales from Talanya, a social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and tabletop role-playing game made by educators for educators.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Average new car prices hit $50,000 for the first time in December. What is driving up prices? Is technology to blame?

Our guest this week is David Fradin, author and technology professional. Trained at HP, he has been involved in numerous exciting projects, including the Apple /// (Apple 3). David gives us a unique look and perspective at Spice Catalyst (spicecatalyst.com).

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

This week's episode includes news, retro gaming ports, and a discussion of fake products and the hazards of buying them.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

This week, we discuss Organizational Software. What are some of the applications you can use to keep your finances and daily life in order?

Author and Host Gretchen Winkler answers your questions on her new Cyberhawk, Rise of Hero's novel.

Author and reporter Kay Thomson just tried out for Wheel of Fortune! She brings us a bit of an inside look at that process.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

How many subscriptions do you have? Do you remember when you actually owned something? This week, we talk about subscription fatigue and what you can do to keep costs under control.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

This week, we discuss some of the latest scams to look out for this U.S. tax season.

The Vault host James Sherwood joins us with his take on Soul Masters.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Join us for news, a cheerful discussion about stereos, and your questions with our answers.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler

With CEO Kathleen Kennedy's Exit, the future of Star Wars is a bit in flux. Today, we bring you the latest information on what's happening and what the rumors are.

We also look at real-world hacks on smart devices and what you can do to protect yourself.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Join us this week as we talk ComicCon and welcome guest Dr. Vin Mitty.

The team had its first experience at a FanExpo since Wizard World was replaced.

Meet AI Expert Mitty, who provides guidance on distinguishing what's real from what's hype.

Finally, we talk about common sense ways you can minimize your trackability.

William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, Gretchen Winkler

Interview with Gretchen Winkler about The Knight School Journal and the Cyberhawk Universe, and a creepy discussion of modern information gathering using everyday items.

Hosts: William Sikkens, Bill Snodgrass, and Gretchen Winkler